Brecon 42 - Blaenavon 16

For the first home game of the new season Brecon were anxious to build on their excellent start. Knowing that this is a critical period where momentum can be built and facing a Blaenavon side which suffered a heavy defeat to neighbours Brynmawr, there was pressure on the home side to produce another winning performance. After one or two hiccups Brecon produced what was needed. Their bonus point win came with a total of seven tries against two. That final result did gloss over a few less than emphatic moments. After having started well and scoring an early try Brecon allowed Blaenavon to take the lead after conceding two soft penalties. The reverse stirred the home side and by half time a lead was re-established with a second excellent try but their potential superiority was not converted into points, mainly as a result of a lack of discipline. That failure resulted in Blaenavon taking an early lead in the second half after scoring their first try. However, if there was any anxiety amongst the home supporters iut was quickly dispelled as Brecon took complete control and added 5 further tries before Blaenavon finished the game with an excellent try of their own.

For the second week running the Brecon forwards showed just how much progress they have made since the mid-point of last season. The front row of Andy Nicholl, Jonathan Bowen and Richie Davies not only won the exchanges at the scrum but were also lively around the field. Second rows Darren Witcomb and Mark Squirrel were outstanding. Their support of the ball carrier was exceptional and both frequently featured with the ball in their hands. Both deservedly picked up a try when they ended up in support of a flowing attacks by the backs. The back row, also, were everywhere. Ewan Williams again showed great footballing ability while Ioan Edwards and Daffydd Thomas defended brilliantly and linked superbly with the backs,

Supporting the forwards, Dean Gunter, kicked beautifully ,particularly in the second half when he had the wind at his back. Some of his kicks for territory were superb and created a great platform from which the home team capitalised. Some of the running amongst the backs was also outstanding although mistakes were made as Brecon showed great ambition and a willingness to run at every opportunity. Deri Willaims was again very lively at scrum half and the makeshift centre pairing of Eifion Jones and Adam Hoskins was always dangerous and Hoskins picked up a brace of tries in the process. The back three of Celfyn Davies, Jake Crockett and Richie Davies looked for work and were always a threat although the ball did not always flow in their direction.

Brecon certainly started with confidence. Opportunities were created but frequently promising moves were snuffed out by frustrating errors. Finally they registered their superiority on the scoreboard. Deri Williams set off on a wonderful run off a scum on half way. Mark Squirrel was up in support and he carried to within 5 metres of the visitors’ line where he was brought down. Support arrived quickly and his second row partner Darren Witcomb crashed over.

From the kick off Brecon gave away a soft score as they stood back waiting for the kick to arrive rather than attacking the ball. The Blaenavon wing showed everyone how to attack the ball as he stole it in the air and when Brecon were penalised in front of the posts Blaenavon registered their first points with a penalty. Again Brecon threatened but it was Blaenavon who took the lead again when they profited from another simple penalty.

In spite of looking to be the more threatening of the two sides, Brecon found themselves behind. Greater accuracy was needed and it finally came with a beautiful move involving most of the back line. Richie Elliot held onto a difficult pass and put Adam Hoskins in for a try. The remainder of the first half proved to be frustrating for the home team as they gave away penalty after penalty.

If that was frustrating then the first action of the second half was even more so. Brecon took the kick off but a poor pass put full back Celfyn Davies under huge pressure. He got a clearing kick away but it lacked distance and Blanavon drove back into the home 22. Maintaining possession through numerous phases they finally broke through for a score which gave them the lead for a second time.

The lead was short lived. Brecon drove off a line out in the visitors 22. Andy Nicholl almost made the line and from the re-cycled possession Ewan Williams crossed.

From here Brecon took complete control. The next try came after a great Dafydd Thomas break in mid-field. Brecon earned a scrum on 5 metres. Deri Williams stole over on the blind side and Dean Gunter to converted and followed that up with a penalty.

Gunter was again influential when he stole a huge amount of territory with a magnificent kick to the corner. Brecon effectively drove off the line out and hard-working Richie Davies scored.

Brecon were now unstoppable. Another great Gunter kick put Brecon in their opponents’ 22. Ioan Edwards stole the line out and Lucas Jones broke to draw the defence and create space which allowed the ever present Mark Squirrel to cross out wide.

Brecon’s final and seventh try, came as a result of great link work between Gunter and Hoskins, with Hoskins finally scoring a try which Gunter converted.

The final minute of the game went Blaenavon’s way. In spite of the score they had battled hard and made things difficult for Brecon and they deserved to have some reward. A Brecon attacking kick was taken by the visiting full back who showed great pace to run outside the chasers and the cover defence to stretch away and score a try from 60 metres out. In spite of this reverse Brecon were delighted with their maximum points from their first two games and now look forward to locking horns again with Dowlais next Saturday.